The M Resort is under construction at Las Vegas Boulevard and St. Rose Parkway.

2008 was definitely not an easy year for Americans. Our economy went into a tail-spin and our gas prices spiked higher than ever before. Many people lost homes and jobs. And even though there will continue to be some major downs, life still must go on, and Henderson is plugging along with some pretty cool projects. So, as I was thinking about what lies ahead for Henderson in 2009, three major projects came to mind; Heritage Park, the culmination of Lake Mead Crossing, and the M Resort.

When Heritage Park opens, residents will be treated to a variety of recreational opportunities, all in one location. Located on 40+ acres behind Basic High School, it will include parks and facilities. A new aquatic facility, which we have been in need of for quite some time, is already underway. A state-of-the-art senior center is under construction currently as well.

Lake Mead Crossing, on what was once Timet Field, opened with Target this past July.

"This project has been going extremely well," said Michele Romero, Redevelopment Manager for the City of Henderson.

For any native of the downtown area, this was a huge event. I was teased by friends who said I wouldn't have to leave my side of the '95 ever again. Now I am anxiously and albeit impatiently awaiting the opening of Ross, Marshalls, Staples, and PetsMart, which are currently under construction. The Henderson library will eventually re-locate to this site as well.

The M Resort brings a different perspective to Henderson. It will open ahead of schedule in March, and offer locals a place to relax without some of the riff-raff that exists in other Strip casinos.

"Booming, boisterous clubs can be more trouble than they're worth for management, while turning off locals trying to enjoy a more relaxed night out," developer Anthony Marnell III said, to Liz Benston in an August 11, 2008 article.

The M will also be the tallest structure in Henderson and give way to a continuance of the "West Henderson Project," in which the City of Henderson plans to develop over 220 acres near the resort.

As I drove around my town today to take these pictures, on the last day of the year, I marveled at how much has been developed, and yet how much more is yet to come. Henderson will continue to surprise its natives and offer an enticing lifestyle to newcomers. Happy New Year Henderson!